Mamelodi Sundowns fans have been eagerly waiting to see Khuliso Mudau back in action, but the 29-year-old right-back has yet to feature this season.
Rumors swirled about a potential move away from Chloorkop after the FIFA Club World Cup, but Mudau returned to training earlier this month, signaling that his future with the club is still very much in play.
Coach Miguel Cardoso Explains the Situation
Head coach Miguel Cardoso has been clear about why Mudau hasn’t taken to the pitch yet.
“Khuliso is solving all his issues with the club; he’s training fantastically.
We are absolutely sure that pretty soon he’s going to be able to help,” Cardoso told the media.
He added that the player is willing and ready to contribute, but it’s crucial that the club manages his reintegration carefully.
“People in charge of the club will take it with the right responsibilities, the right commitment, and the right intention to put Khuliso Mudau in the service of the team,” Cardoso explained.
Gradual Reintegration Is Key
While Mudau is back training with the team, Cardoso emphasizes that he’s not yet match-ready.
“Khuliso came from a period when he was training alone, and you cannot put an international player, a Bafana Bafana player, into a match when he’s not able to perform at the level people expect,” the coach said.
Cardoso is taking a patient approach, giving Mudau a step-by-step plan to regain his full fitness and match sharpness.
“There’s a gradient progress we need to give him so that he arrives on time, and he, Mudau, is there,” he noted.
Making an Impact When He Returns
The Sundowns boss wants Mudau to make an immediate impact once he’s back on the field.
“I don’t want people to see a player on the pitch and ask, ‘Who is that guy? He doesn’t look like Khuliso.’ No. I want him to, when he enters, be flying,” Cardoso added.
What’s Next for Mudau?
For now, it’s a matter of time and careful preparation.
Fans will have to wait a little longer, but when Mudau finally returns to action, the expectation is that he will do so fully ready to contribute to Sundowns’ campaign.